Dear FML, A request addressed to Kim Fox, for a friend's ferret in Baltimore, Maryland proved to be a no go. I was flatly, privately, rudely, refused any vet info by Ms. Fox. Fortunately, many good folks in Maryland did contact me, one of which was the Director of Shelter Affairs for Rocky's Ferret Rescue and Shelter, Barb Clay. I do know Barb, and I do support her shelter, but I did not know that she would be so quick to offer her assistance. She provided me for my friend, who does not have internet access, many vet references. I trusted her recommendations after all the years of shelter experience and the amount of ferrets that her shelter has had surgery performed. After a few emails exchanged, I decided to call and speak to her directly. This was one of the most positive experiences I have ever encountered in the ferret community. This shelter works to educate, and they work hard. This shelter has a zero tolerance with neighboring "shelters" that do not vaccinate for distemper or believe that ADV is some myth for labs to make money. Some may call it flaming of blasting. I call it RESPONSIBLE SHELTERING! Rocky's is a shelter that adopts and educates. Part of their Contract is free distemper vac's for the life of the adopted ferret. Barb was implicit that by no means was this free vaccination to take the place of an annual check up, but it was their built-in follow up mechanism for the life of the ferret and family. What a great idea!!!!!! Ms. Clay was proud to also tell me that if my friend's ferret needed a cagemate, that within the wonderful network of Maryland shelters, we could certainly find that right ferret. She has ferrets, yet recommended my friend to visit Oxford Ferret Rescue in Elkton, Md. That's networking, and very generous as far as shelters go. I was able to direct my friend to a vet clinic that also shares Rocky's diligence of protection, vaccinating and testing, Falls Road Animal Hospital. I gave my friend the referral and she was met with professional people doing a professional job. The surgery will be scheduled after the initial examination and meeting with the vet. I will keep everyone posted on how the surgery goes. Kris [Posted in FML issue 4024]